Motherhood
Motherhood is a wonderful and enriching experience for all women. Some new mums approach motherhood with confidence, while others may approach it with anxiety. Whichever way you embrace motherhood, reading more about this topic is always a good move! In this section, we provide articles on motherhood and everything that has to do with it. We hope that we can assist you in your journey as a mother – and in helping you find the answers to some of the questions you might have!
Subcategories in Motherhood
More Articles from Motherhood
10 great maternity & baby photography studios
Your baby won't stay tiny forever, and your baby bump will soon be but a memory once you've had your little bundle of joy. We round up Singapore's 10 great maternity & baby photography studios for your picking.
TCM for Nursing Mums
Physician Xiong Ying shares the traditional wisdom to help breastfeeding mums boost their milk supply.
7 Parenting tips that all mums and dads should know!
[imagebrowser id=247]
Continue reading
Feeding your baby: How breast milk production works
Ever wondered how your body knows to produce breast milk? Find out all about the natural process of lactation, and the nutritional content of your breast milk.
Life after giving birth! You know you're a parent when....
Having a baby is a life changing experience. You will prepare during your pregnancy but can anything really prepare for the change? Here's some things to think about for life as a new parent.
How to keep a pregnancy journal
Recording your thoughts in a pregnancy journal will not only document a deeply personal experience for you, but also heighten your awareness of the growing life inside you. And one day, when your child is much older, it will make a very special gift that will serve them as a memoir forever.
10 foods to boost breastmilk supply
It's never a good idea to cut back on food when you're pregnant, particularly if you plan to breastfeed your little one, because it could affect your breastmilk supply. We recommend 10 foods to increase milk production.
Best places to find baby furniture in Singapore
When you get that nesting feeling and it's time to create your dream nursery, you need lots of choice and the best quality and value. Here is our pick of the best places to buy baby furniture in Singapore.
Rock-a-bye-baby: Tips on how to get baby to sleep better
You will find that many times your baby will fall to sleep with no help from you. Then there are those times when they will need a little coxing. Follow these simple tips on how to get your baby to sleep faster and for longer.
Childcare options in Singapore when going back to work
Most Singaporean mothers will go back to work after having a baby but are you aware of all the childcare options available to you? We take a look at what you can do and the benefits of each.
Your baby's brain development in the first 6 months
When parents are close in proximity to the infant, he feels secure and safe enough to explore and interact with his environment.
Is your baby born with a personality?
Certain traits are obvious from birth, but baby personality will really start to bloom and increase in intensity around the third or fourth month. During this time, your child will undoubtedly intrigue you with his unique quirks and traits that might be in direct contrast to yours.
Single mums vs single dads
Why is it than you often have more single mums than single dads? We take a look at the reasons behind this, the natural bonds with our children and more.
Raising an iPad baby: technology's impact on your baby
Have you ever been amazed by the sight of a two-year old using an iPad with all the ease of a grown up? Believe it or not, this is the reality that many parents are discovering as they raise their babies in a today’s hi-tech environment—that babies take to technology like ducks to water.
Co-sleeping with your baby: Should you or should you not?
New parents would wonder about what sleeping arrangements they should make for their baby. Co-sleeping is one practice that more and more parents are adopting. If you are thinking about sharing the bed with your child, here's what you need to know.
A guide to pumping breast milk
If you are thinking about using a breast pump to help you and your baby ease into a new routine. Here is everything you need to know about pumping breast milk.
How to celebrate baby's full month quietly
If you’re not really into traditions or making a big fuss of things, you might be wondering if you need to celebrate a baby’s full month at all. We explore a few ways you can minimize the fuss without nixing the entire celebration.
Prepare your child for the new baby
With the excitement of the new baby also comes some apprehension for the older sibling(s). Will they feel left out? Will they be jealous? Will they resent the attention? Will they feel we don’t love them anymore? These worries plus more are not only common, but they are also totally normal. This can be a very confusing and emotionally exhausting time for the siblings-to-be, but it can also be a wonderful time if the right…
Continue reading
How maternity leave in Singapore works
Being pregnant, you have a lot on your mind. Are you sure you are getting everything that is entitled to you regarding maternity leave? Find out about maternity leave in Singapore and the benefits that could help you and your family after birth.
Baby laughs during feeding - caught on camera!
One of the most magical things many breastfeeding mums will experience at some point is when their little one first breaks into gurgles of laughter during nursing time. Take a peek at some video clips of baby giggles!
Will my breasts return to their original size after birth?
Many pregnant women wonder about how their breasts would change during pregnancy or if there will be changes in their breast size after birth. There are a few factors that can influence the shape and size of your breasts after giving birth and when you stop breastfeeding.
5 places in Singapore to go out with baby for the first time
After your confinement period, it can feel daunting to take your baby outside for the first time. We recommend 5 places in Singapore that are perfect for that first outing.
Seeing ugly things = Ugly baby?
This myth plays right into anxious expecting mummies fears; every woman would like a healthy and beautiful baby. So it it true, seeing ugly things = Ugly baby? We discuss that topic here.
5 tips for getting more sleep with a newborn
Here are five tips for new parents looking to get more sleep with a newborn. You are bound to feel exhausted but catching up on sleep when you can will make all the difference.
5 baby friendly malls in Singapore
Almost all of the major shopping hotspots in Singapore have baby friendly malls, featuring at least one nursing room. If you are anxious about venturing out with little - don't be. Check out these five places that will have everything you need.
When can you take your baby swimming?
Swimming is a natural ability that all babies have. It comes from living inside your womb submerged in amniotic fluid for nine months. Find out when to take your baby swimming and the benefits of baby swimming lessons.
10 baby essentials every mum needs
You may wonder if you'll ever have enough stuff to care for your baby. We've compiled this list of 10 baby essentials for mums to start you off. Happy shopping!
Leaving baby at home for a short getaway
You will suddenly find leaving baby behind is not as simple as you imagined it to be when you were first expecting, but it need not be daunting or stopping you from taking that trip. We will take a look at the basics and practical considerations before you leave.
5 simple pregnancy feng shui tips for better health
As you know, stress is the one of the biggest contributing culprits in health issues. No matter if you are feeling slightly out of sorts, or need a complete lifestyle overhaul, feng shui for health can help you bring your life back into balance.Here's five tips to get you started.
Are you suffering from mumnesia?
Mumnesia affects most pregnant women at some stage. Maternal amnesia can happen during pregnancy but is also very common after birth, during the postpartum stage. Find out why.
Will postpartum depression affect future family plans?
If you have struggled with postpartum depression, will it affect your family plans for the future? Will you be ready for another baby? Mindful mums counsellor, Silvia Wetherell provides some helpful advice on making the decision to get pregnant again.
Weird and wonderful pregnancy quirks revealed!
You've probably heard a few stories about pregnancy behaviour but what pregnancy quirks might you experience and what is the reason for them? We find out!
Buckle up! Buying your baby car seat
A baby car seat is mandatory in Singapore when traveling by car. Find out how to choose the right car seat to keep your little one safe on the road.
Want to increase breast milk supply? Here’s what to do
Some foods such as fenugreek, oatmeal and Chinese herbs can promote milk supply. In this article, we will explore some non-food ways to increase breast milk.
How to guide for freezing breast milk
There are ways to effectively and safely store expressed breast milk. That way, baby can still get all the benefits of your milk without you actually being around.
How to carry your baby correctly
A baby is very vulnerable when first born. Their head and neck should be supported at all times to avoid any injury. Take a look at how to go about holding baby and the different types of positions to carry baby around.
How do I register my baby’s name?
Find out how you can register your baby's name in Singapore. Also how long you have to do and where are the easiest laces to do so. Specific to Singapore.
Top 10 movies about babies
If you are pregnant, then there is nothing more enjoyable than watching a movie about babies! We round up the top ten movies! Perfect for a chilled night in with the hubby - don't forget the popcorn!
Music for baby in the womb - Symphony of Motherhood concert
Do you play classical music to your baby bump? Symphony of Motherhood is a live performance said to strengthen attachment between mother and child. Catch the next performance in Singapore on 27th October 2013.
5 best books for new parents
As a new parent, it's hard to know what parenting approach is best. There are any phone apps and online resources to help but are you fond of a good book, which you can pass on later? We reveal the five best books for new parents with up to date information on parenting.
Putting your baby to sleep – the Tizzie Hall way!
We caught up with Tizzie Hall, the International Baby Whisperer, in September at the Pan Pacific Orchard. Author of the hugely popular ‘Save Our Sleep’ book, Tizzie has been helping parents all over the world with her baby sleep routines for over 15 years.
After reading Tizzie’s ‘Save Our Sleep’ book, we still had some lingering questions about putting her routines into practice. Particularly, if it was possible to adapt her routines to cater for the…
Continue reading
The scoop on poop - knowing that first baby poop
Our photo guide of the scoop of poop will give you at least a rough frame of reference on what is considered normal, even if your baby is painting his diaper in the colours of the rainbow, and what can be considered a cause of concern
Spot the signs of pregnancy paranoia
It's easy to get a dose of pregnancy paranoia during those emotional nine months. Take a look at common signs of pregnancy paranoia and how you can get back to reality.
10 bizarre pregnancy symptoms
You have expected pregnancy symptoms of fatigue and nausea, but are you aware that you might sound like a foghorn at night? Or that your feet can grow an entire shoe size? Here are 10 strange pregnancy symptoms to expect during pregnancy!
Can post pregnancy cravings be worse?
Everyone assumes that once you give birth, you will no longer have any crazy cravings, but is this the case? Could post pregnancy cravings be harder to control than those you have during your pregnancy?
Are premature births on the rise?
Millions of babies are born prematurely every year across the globe. What could be the contributing factors to this rise. Why are more women going into labour before before 37 weeks. Read more on this international affect.
What is the difference between breastmilk and formula milk?
The one thing mums are divided on is how you should feed your baby. What are the differences between breastmilk and formula milk. We look at the pros and cons of each diet.
Can breastfeeding for longer reduce the risk of breast cancer?
We know about the benefits that breastfeeding brings to your baby but what about for us mums? A new study reveals that the longer you breastfeed, the lower your risk of breast cancer. Can this be true?
The words every new mum needs to hear
A mum (of three!) shares her struggle with the transition from pregnancy to motherhood in a beautiful recount that we’re certain all mums will be able to relate to, in some way or other. Read the encouraging words of Lisa Jo-Baker as she reaffirms what every new mum needs to hear...
Breastfeeding bracelets: do you need one?
"Forgetfulness is a natural part of a woman's defense mechanism after the pain and rigors of childbirth," explains gynaecologist Dr. Sharon Phelan. Although temporary, we know just how pesky it can be having the tiniest of things like feeding time slip your mind! Fortunately, there is a way around this: breastfeeding bracelets.Find out what breastfeeding bracelets are, if you need one, and how to make your very own!
How long should you breastfeed baby?
As a new mum, there are likely a whirl of questions about breastfeeding you haven't gotten an answer to - such as how much to feed baby, and how to know when he's had enough. Put your mind to rest, because we've got the answers here!
Why do women shake after giving birth?
After birth, your body goes through changes at an enormously rapid pace. As a result, it is common to shake and feel a shivering sensation. Learn the causes for this unusual reaction.
5 things to make going back to work after pregnancy less scary
When going back to work after pregnancy it takes time to make the necessary adjustments. Don't expect to have it all figured out within the first week. Being a working mum can take a lot of compromises, but it also comes with a lot of satisfaction. Here is our guide to making the transition a little easier.
Why every baby on earth says mama
Have you ever wondered why babies all over the world say mama? Is mama the universal language for mother, or is it something in the baby's speech rudimentary pattern that allows for those words to be formed? Learn more about the fascinating truth behind "mama".
What causes nipple blanching during breastfeeding
Nipple blanching occurs when there is a temporary lack of blood flow to that area of the breast and as a result they appear white in colour. Read more about this painful condition and how to avoid it when breastfeeding. Watch a video on the effects of nipple blanching!
How to stop using a breast pump
For some mothers, it is convenient to bottle feed their baby breastmilk. By using a manual or electric breastfeeding pump, you are able to express the milk and store it ready for their baby to drink. After a certain period of expressing milk, you may decide to go back to the normal skin-to-skin method of breastfeeding. Or, begin introducing solid foods, reducing the amount of milk needed. Here's how to do it.
What you need to know about weaning from formula milk
You may consider weaning from formula if you used it as a ‘top up’ combined with breastmilk and you now decide to go back to exclusively breastfeeding. Or, you feel your baby is old enough to start introducing solid foods to their diet. If you have been feeding your baby with a breastmilk supplement then here is what you need to know about weaning from formula.
How oral motor therapy can help with breastfeeding
Learning to breastfeed together is the first journey you will take as mother and baby. It can be traumatic for mums who excitedly welcome a new member of the family, to then be faced with the challenging role of breastfeeding their little one, and encountering oral motor problems. Find out how oral motor therapy can help to resolve breastfeeding issues.
Who is more prone to post-partum depression?
Your labour was a tremendous effort on your part, but the real work begins when you bring your little one home. Adapting to the constant needs of a new baby can be challenging, even during the best of times. Find out who is at a higher risk of getting post-partum depression.
Confinement nanny training for your maid?
Some couples will wonder if their maids could really be trained well enough to do the job of a confinement nanny. The course actually allows employers to participate in order to see what the training is all about. That way, parents can be reassured that the maid receives proper training.
Understanding baby talk: A guide
Ever wondered why babies make the same sounds? No matter which country they are from. It could be that babies have their own universal language that adults don't really understand. Decode your baby's language here...
The bliss of breastfeeding - breastfeeding week
7 August 2013 marks the end of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW). In an effort to celebrate the joys of breastfeeding and bring together mums worldwide, WBW was commemorated in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action. Today, it's celebrated in more than 174 countries with the full support of World Health Orgnaisation (WHO) and UNICEF.
Why is public breastfeeding still a social taboo?
What is it about breastfeeding in public in Singapore? A Singaporean mother was told off for doing so while dining at a restaurant here recently. Is it wrong to breastfeed in public, and what do other mums think? We explore the issue.
Infant dies from vegan breastfeeding
An 11-month old baby passed away after being exclusively breastfed by his vegan mother. An autopsy revealed he had suffered vitamin A and B12 deficiencies. Learn about what you should include in your diet while breastfeeding.
Handling an unsupportive husband when pregnant
You might be glowing at the prospects of becoming a new mummy, but having an unsupportive husband is the quickest way to put a lid on your happiness. But just because your husband is not the doting kind, does not necessarily mean that he is not the supportive kind. Sometimes you might just have to remind of him. Here's how...
Royal baby care: Then and now
Questions about baby care, including future nannies, are already being discussed. When it comes to royal babies, there have been a lot of changes over the passed decades. You might call it a modernization of parenthood in royal families.
Why is my baby vomiting?!
Baby vomit can be contributed to any number of causes, of which most of them are not serious at all. However, keep an eye out for the warning signs.
Breastmilk popsicles - easy and nutritious
Let's face it, being a mum is a full-time job! Now that you have your newborn baby on your hands, it can be difficult to find the time to watch your favorite shows or cook, or maybe catch up with an old friend over the phone. Fortunately, we've found a simple solution to ease the strain on your tired body, bless you: breastmilk popsicles.
What happens when you're 22 weeks pregnant?
How your foetus is developing when you're 22 weeks pregnant:
After 21 weeks, your bundle of joy is now about 28 cm long now that you’re 22 weeks pregnant, and his skin will be less translucent than before. His nerve cells are also continuing to develop, and he may feel his face or anything he can get his hands on. Although his hair may have begun growing in week 15, some babies are born with little…
Continue reading
Will my baby be like me?
Will my baby be like me? You probably have all sorts of visuals about your yet-to-be-born baby. Will he have my eyes? Will he have Daddy's wavy hair?
But think about it...resemblances go beyond the superficial. Genetic traits are big influences in your child's life in general. Now, let's look at answering your numerous questions that start with: Will my baby be...
RELATED: 5 most amazing moments of new motherhood
Spitting image
Will my baby be beautiful/handsome? It’s easy…
Continue reading
Breastmilk jewelry – cool or creepy?
Mums, while breastfeeding your child, you might want to save a little milk on the side to create a pendant. Check out how a new trend is giving moms the ability to preserve their breastmilk in the form of jewelry.
First outing with baby: dos and don'ts
There is nothing written in stone about your baby's first outing. It depends on many factors, including the mother's state of health. Some women may take much longer to recuperate, especially after a C-section or if there were other complications.
5 most memorable moments of new motherhood
Getting that positive on your pregnancy test is one of the biggest events in a woman's life. You know that your life will change forever. It won't be all joy and happiness, especially as you try to adjust in those first few months with a newborn. However, it will be memorable. There are a few memorable moments of new motherhood that you surely won't forget.
Newborn care in the delivery room
The magical moment when you get to see your baby for the first time has arrived. But new mothers may wonder: what will happen now? There are test and examinations that are part of the newborn care at birth routine.
How to clean your baby’s eyes
You might not have previously considered the how-to’s of baby eye care, but you baby’s eyes will need a regular cleaning routine. By the age of six months, your baby has reached an important visual milestone. At this age, the eyes are fully developed, so you do not want to take any chances when it comes to baby eye care.
Top 10 things new mums overstress about
Looking forward to being a new mother is something most pregnant women have in common. The magical time of pregnancy will be extended with the arrival of the new baby in your life. However, many women underestimate the impact of motherhood in their lives.
Can a baby pillow filled with rice help your baby’s head to grow beautifully?
Worrying about the shape of your baby’s head is a concern that may seem funny to some, but if your child has ever been forced to wear a medical helmet to correct flat head syndrome, you’ll know just how serious it is. Could it be that a simple homemade baby pillow stuffed with rice or beans is the simple solution to preventing flat head syndrome?
Head shape problems
Your baby is probably not born with a perfectly…
Continue reading
Can I touch the soft spots on my baby’s head?
All babies are born with soft spots on their heads, called fontanelles, as their skulls are made up of four bone plates. These four plates are designed to slide over one another to help baby’s head squeeze through the vagina during birth—just part of the miraculous way that babies are designed!
Where are the soft spots located?
You can find the soft spots on top of your baby’s head in two locations. One is located near the…
Continue reading
5 baby-friendly restaurants to visit in Singapore
Does having a baby mean the end of the dining out lifestyle? If you’re a foodie, the prospect of staying at home for dinner or living on take outs for the next few years might feel like a drag. But if you bring your baby to a restaurant and he or she starts to cry, you're worried that you're being inconsiderate to other diners.
Fortunately, there are places in Singapore enlightened enough to declare themselves baby-friendly…
Continue reading
Will I ever be able to regain my slim figure after delivering my baby?
Will you ever get your body back to the way it was before your baby? Yes, it is entirely possible, but it will not happen overnight, and the weight won’t just miraculously melt away by itself. Remember, celebrities have access to personal trainers, in-house dieticians and personal chefs, while us mere mortals have to make do with the little time and resources available.
How to interview the new nanny
Generally speaking, a baby sitter is called in on a short term basis to look after your little one while you enjoy a night out on the town. Baby sitters should have all the essential skills that come with meeting your baby’s needs. Nannies on the other hand, while sharing the same basic skill sets as a babysitter, are more specialised, and usually hired on a more on-going basis.
Tips for breastfeeding your multiples
Once you find out that you are expecting twins or triplets, you need to start gathering as much information as you can on breastfeeding multiples. There are some practical implications and nutritional aspects that you need to consider, but nothing worth breaking your head about.
What you can do to develop your baby’s intelligence
Most parents dream about having a smart baby. It is natural to want the best in life for your baby, and intelligence plays a big part. Defining intelligence is a whole different story. Some experts say that intelligence is about a child ability to adapt to different changes. Babies absorb all the information at a much higher speed than adults.
How to prevent baby from falling off the bed
Waiting for your little one to learn that falling out of bed actually hurts can take a while, so in the meantime, you will have to install a few safety precautions. Regardless of whether or not your baby is sleeping with you or in his own little bed, you have to baby-proof it to keep him from taking a tumble.
Breast milk soap: A luxury homemade item
Using your own breast milk in a soap also means that the essential nutritional elements are much more bio-available. Most women that have used this soap report smoother and healthier skin. It can even be used for the face, an area that is very sensitive to harsh chemicals contained in facial cleansers.
Is baby talk bad for my baby's language development?
With the recent spotlight cast on the importance of talking to your baby so that they do well in school later, many of you may be asking, “What about baby talk?” We all love cooing and speaking nonsense words to our baby for fun, but if grammar and vocabulary skills are forming at this stage, then are we setting our kids back in their language and speech development by not speaking to them properly?
What research…
Continue reading
How to guide your parents as first-time grandparents
In hectic and expensive Singapore, grandparents can be a huge blessing to new parents in terms of the love, support and experience they provide to the growing family. Not only can grandparents be invaluable in helping to care for the baby while you get some rest, they can offer you advice based on their own parenting experiences.
That said, sometimes the advice can be unwarranted, or worse, wrong or out-of-date. How do you avoid conflict and…
Continue reading
My power went out and I'm storing breast milk in the freezer – Help!
Breast milk storage can be problematic when a power outage occurs. It may not happen often in Singapore but it does occur occasionally. During a power outage, precious frozen breast milk can become thawed. To keep them in their frozen state, an ice box, a container designed to maintain the temperature of frozen goods, can be utilised. A dry cotton cloth, wrapped around each bottle, can also help preserve its solid consistency. To last for…
Continue reading
Do I need a wireless baby monitor?
As new parents, you want to be keeping an eye on your baby at all times, even when you’re not in the same room. So, should you be considering investing in a wireless baby monitor set so that you can pay attention to your baby’s every noise?
The objective of having a wireless baby monitor is to alert you to any distress or discomfort your baby may be experiencing so that you can attend to him…
Continue reading
How talking to your baby could help his grades
We all enjoy talking to our babies, and making baby sounds to communicate to them, but are we doing anything to help their communication skills later on? Studies conducted by researchers from the University of Kansas seem to suggest so. In fact, they found that children from disadvantaged homes who received poor communication from their parents, did poorly in school years down the road.
Why talking to baby matters
According to this 1995 study, how much you…
Continue reading
Would you use this doll to explain pregnancy to your child?
Photo credit: Bbb-news.com
If you’re expecting a second baby, you might be wondering how to explain your pregnancy to your child. When you inform your child that he or she will be having a new sibling, do you say that the baby will be delivered by the stork or do you tell them all the facts? When is a child old enough to understand? What about using a pregnancy doll?
The pregnancy doll
Many parents explain pregnancy by…
Continue reading
10 things you'll sacrifice for your baby
Raising a baby is a 24/7 job, and you will be surprised at the sacrifices parents make with a smile on their face. It is a stressful, scary but adventurous and joyous time, and as you will discover, there is not a lot of things that you won’t do for your baby.
My baby has a mole — should I be concerned?
Practically everyone has moles, and yes, you can be born with them. Moles on babies start out as small and relatively flat discoloured spots, and will only become raised and darker as time passes.
Soothe your crying baby or leave him alone?
Parents are receiving mixed messages, and even childcare experts are divided on whether soothing a crying baby will reinforce bad behaviour or otherwise. We aim to shed some light on the subject.
Diaper duty: Changing a diaper properly
Regardless of the type of diaper you decide the use, the methods for changing a diaper is in essence the same, with slight variations if you are opting for cloth. We will take a look at how to change both types of diapers.
How does urinary tract infection develop in infants?
Since your baby can’t tell you about his discomfort, you will have to slowly figure out what’s wrong with him. If your baby is running a fever and appears to be out of sorts, chances could be your infant is suffering from a urinary tract infection.
Baby is gassy! What can I do?
A combination of factors can contribute to your baby's gas problems. Babies do not have the same amounts of enzymes as adults, and their digestive systems are still developing. There are also other causes to your baby's gassiness.
Basic bottle-feeding 101
Many mums want to breastfeed, but in some cases, it just isn’t an option. Alternatively, you might simply want to wean your baby from the breast, but whatever your motivation, these tips for bottle feeding will be useful to you.
Quality time: Bonding with your newborn baby
The bond between mummy and baby is a strong thing and for many mums it comes naturally. There are a few mums that may need some ideas on how to make this work. The bonding process should start in the hospital. Babies need to know right away who their mum is and be close to them. There are several easy ways mummies can bond with their babies.
Kangaroo care
This type of bonding is not just for…
Continue reading
Baby meltdowns: How to deal with a crying infant?
When your baby is crying more excessively than normal, you may wonder if you're doing something wrong. Most babies cry because they are hungry, too hot or too cold, in pain, or simply tired. If all their basic needs are met, then there could be other reasons for their meltdowns.
Baby talk: Buying a baby monitor
Even if you live in a small HDB flat, a baby monitor still gives you peace of mind by allowing you to know how your baby is doing from one room away. It also frees you up to run chores in another part of the home or enjoy a movie in the living room while your baby sleeps.
Baby monitors on the market range from basic radio receivers to web-compatible video monitors that you can use…
Continue reading
How to choose a baby stroller
A baby stroller is a baby essential that every parent should have, and it usually forms one of the big ticket items purchased before a baby’s arrival. As strollers are one of the priciest baby purchases you have to make, you should never rush into buying one on impulse as you may regret a hasty decision on a poorly designed stroller.
It’s best to start researching strollers at least three months before you’re due, to give…
Continue reading
How to choose a baby high chair
When you live in an apartment, space is a premium, so you might understandably ask “Do I really need a high chair for my baby?” In Asian culture, babies tend to be spoon-fed all the way into pre-school, so high chairs aren’t needed. But if you want your baby to learn to enjoy food and eating independently, a high chair’s a good idea. We explore the options that you have.
RELATED: 7 harmful foods NOT to feed…
Continue reading
A guide to buying the best diapers
You’re shopping for diapers but there are so many brands competing for your attention. How do you choose? Should you go with highly-rated but expensive diapers like Pampers, or go for cheaper no-name supermarket brands? Here’s a guide to choosing the best diapers for you and your baby.
Know your diapers
First of all, before you start buying diapers in bulk, you should find out about the different diaper sizes and how they work. Diapers come in…
Continue reading
Feeding time: Choosing the best baby formula
When it comes to baby formula, you want to give your child the best — but navigating the different types can be confusing to say the least. Do you choose a cow’s milk baby formula or a soy-based one? Do extra ingredients like DHA and AHA really help with brain development? Consider some of these factors when looking for the best baby formula for your child.
Important info about baby formula
Baby formulas are specially designed to…
Continue reading
New mum 101: What breast pump works for you?
Breastfeeding is one of the best gifts a mother can give to her child, but it’s not always easy. If you find it difficult to produce plenty of milk, using a breast pump can help. If you’re planning to return to work, you will also require a breast pump so you can continue producing milk for your baby.
However, a breast pump that works well for one person may not work for everyone. It’s actually best…
Continue reading
Baby on the loose! How to buy a child's safety gate
As your baby learns to crawl, and eventually to walk, he'll want to start getting into everything. Everything is new and exciting, and wherever your baby can stick his little fingers, hands, toes, etc. (you name it — he can fit it in there...), he will most certainly do it. This means it's time restrict your baby to only safe areas, with safety gate. A child's safety gate is a great way to keep your little…
Continue reading
Circumcision debate: To cut or not to cut?
Making the decision whether to circumcise your baby is one of those tricky decisions that parents have to make in the first few months of your son’s arrival. While circumcision is not widely carried out in Singapore, there have been some arguments made in favour of it. We take a look at the debate.
The basics of circumcision
Circumcision is the act of surgically removing the foreskin that wraps around the glans of the penis. It is…
Continue reading
How to discreetly pump breast milk at work
You’ve had a beautiful “babymoon” with your newborn child, but it’s now time to go back to work. However, you’re not ready yet to stop breastfeeding yet because you believe in all the great benefits to your child if he or she drinks breast milk for six months or more. But how can you discretely pump milk at work and still look professional? Here are 5 tips on how to pump breast milk at work.
1.…
Continue reading
Your guide to shopping for multiples
You've just learnt that you’re expecting, not one, but two (or more) babies — congratulations! Along with joy and excitement, you’re probably also experiencing a little nervousness about the idea of having multiple babies. It's okay – it would be unnatural if you weren't a little scared. The first question that comes to mind might be: How can I afford it? Well, while it’s true that multiple babies will cost you more money, it doesn't…
Continue reading
The rules for having a pet around your newborn
So your pet has been your “baby” for a long time, but now you’re expecting a newborn child in your life. What can you do to make sure that the arrival of your baby will be a smooth transition for you and your pet? The good news is that you can start right now, before the baby is born. It's not a drastic change, but there are definitely rules you should know about for having…
Continue reading
5 misconceptions about postpartum depression
There are lots of misunderstandings and misconceptions about postpartum depression: Mothers who get depressed after having children don’t love their children. Mothers should just be grateful to have children and not feel sorry for themselves. If mothers just tried, they could overcome PPD on their own.
These misconceptions and more are not only unhealthy for mum, but they prevent many women from seeking help. Any mum can get PPD, period. Mums who have PPD have done…
Continue reading
Pros and cons: Disposable vs. cloth diapers
Cloth diapers were the norm when your parents were babies, but for the last 20 years or so, the convenience of disposable diapers has been the order of the day. However, there has been a gradual but steady movement back towards modern cloth diapers, with moms praising these innovative diaper designs for its comfort, low costs and eco-friendliness. So which is better for you? We compare the pros and cons of disposable and cloth diapers.
Cost
Cloth…
Continue reading
How to adopt a baby in Singapore
Adopting a baby is common in Singapore and easier than you may think. Perhaps you’ve had no success with IVF, or maybe you’ve always just thought of adopting a child who needs a home. The good news is that in baby-scarce Singapore, you have resources to support you in the process of adopting, which include help from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and various non-profit organisations. Find out more below about whether…
Continue reading
How to deal with recurrent mastitis or plugged ducts
According to a certain study, 20% of mastitis cases reoccur. Re-occurrence of mastitis may be triggered by the same conditions present during the first onset.
In most cases, mastitis is more likely to recur due to irregular breastfeeding patterns (i.e. skipping nursing or pumping sessions, and bottle feeding instead of getting baby to latch on). Recurrent episodes of mastitis may also mean that mum's immune system is taking a back seat, mostly due to stress and tiredness.
What causes a breast…
Continue reading
Breastfeeding to sleep and other comfort nursing
Comfort nursing, also known as non-nutritive sucking, does not only refer to an infant’s satisfaction from breastfeeding, but it rather focuses on the mother and child bonding. Nursing quenches an infant’s need for soothing, familiarity and educational parent-child exchanges as well security reassurance and bonding.
Through nursing an intimate bond between infant and mother is established. And the passage of breast milk during nursing allows for the transport of maternal hormones that promote comfort to an…
Continue reading
Using antidepressants while breastfeeding
Almost every woman notices some immediate feelings of sadness, otherwise known as postpartum blues, after childbirth. This probably occurs as a response to the anticlimactic feeling after birth and is related to hormonal shifts as the levels of oestrogen, progesterone and gonadotropin-releasing hormones in her body decline or rise.
Antidepressants and breastfeeding: Dealing with postpartum depression
In some women, postpartum blues may last longer than one year. In addition to an over-all feeling of sadness, a woman…
Continue reading
How to travel with twins
Travelling with twins is easier than you think! With careful planning and being sensible about your holiday options, you can still enjoy a relaxing break as a family. We tell you the do's and don'ts of travelling with your little ones.